Former Corrections Officer Sentenced to Over Eight Years for Sexual Assault of Inmates

Lexington, Kentucky — A former corrections officer at a federal prison was sentenced on Friday to eight years and four months in prison for sexually assaulting three female inmates. Jacob Salcido, who worked at the Federal Medical Center, pleaded guilty to the assaults that took place between September and December 2020.

During the sentencing at the U.S. District Court in Lexington, Chief Judge Danny C. Reeves imposed a sentence of 100 months, which exceeds the advisory range suggested by federal guidelines. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zach Dembo highlighted the “significant aggravators” present in the case, noting that one victim required multiple reconstructive surgeries due to the violence of the assault.

In addition to the prison term, Salcido was ordered to pay $63,000 in restitution to the three victims, and an additional $5,300 in special assessments. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and undergo lifetime supervision after his release. Salcido has committed to selling his home in Winchester to cover the restitution costs. Judge Reeves refrained from imposing a fine, citing concerns about the impact on Salcido’s family, which includes five children.

Salcido expressed remorse during the proceedings, describing his actions as a “betrayal” and stating he prays for forgiveness. He has been in custody since pleading guilty in September.

The case has highlighted issues within the prison system, with two of the victims currently pursuing lawsuits against the prison for failing to address longstanding sexual assault problems. One victim, Andrea Bishop, who served time for tax evasion, described enduring post-traumatic stress disorder and ongoing nightmares stemming from the assaults. In her statement to the court, she articulated the lasting physical and emotional scars left by Salcido’s actions and criticized a culture where inmates’ reports of sexual abuse are routinely dismissed.

Another victim, identified as “C.J.,” has filed a lawsuit against both Salcido and the federal government, alleging a failure to hold prison employees accountable for sexual misconduct. Both lawsuits remain unresolved.

Bishop expressed her frustration with the prison system, stating, “Our prison system is broken… that is messed up.” She asserted that inmates face significant obstacles when seeking justice, as their claims are often disregarded.

The sentencing of Salcido marks a significant step in addressing the pervasive issues of sexual violence within the prison system, but for the victims, the road to healing is just beginning.